I spent 7 years at Google across Shopping and Workspace teams, evolving from contractor to design lead. I shipped features used by millions, earned 5 patents in UI optimization and interface design, and learned how to operate at scale in a cross-functional organization.
OVERVIEW
My time at Google was formative — I learned how to design for millions of users, navigate complex organizations, lead teams, and balance user needs with business goals at massive scale.
Starting as a contractor and working my way up to UX Manager, I contributed to some of Google's most visible products while developing a deep understanding of enterprise design, consumer products, and cross-functional leadership.
KEY PROJECTS
Meet Hardware — Return to Office Redesign
Role: UX Manager
Led the complete redesign of Google Meet Hardware experiences for all devices (Nest Hub Max, Meet Series One, etc.) as offices prepared to reopen. This was my first management role, leading a small team through a ~6 month project that touched every aspect of the in-room meeting experience.
Shopping on YouTube
Role: Product Designer
Designed the first shopping module on the YouTube watch page, bringing e-commerce directly into video content. This integrated Google Shopping data with YouTube's massive audience, creating new pathways from content to commerce.
Shopping List + Google Assistant Integration
Role: Product Designer
Designed the integration between Google Shopping List and Google Assistant, allowing users to seamlessly add items via voice and manage them across devices. Focused on making shopping more conversational and ambient.
Shopping Merchandising Photoshoots
Role: Creative Direction
Directed photography and merchandising for Google Shopping marketing materials. Led art direction on product shoots and worked with photographers to create assets that elevated the Shopping brand.
KEY LEARNINGS
Google taught me how to design at scale — balancing user research, data, and stakeholder alignment while shipping products that millions of people use every day. I learned to navigate ambiguity, build consensus, and lead through influence.
Earning 5 patents showed me how to think systematically about interface problems and innovate within constraints. Managing my first team taught me the difference between doing the work and enabling others to do their best work.
Most importantly, I learned what I wanted next: to build products from zero to one, own outcomes end-to-end, and work in environments where individual contribution has outsized impact. This led me to startups.
IMPACT
TEAMS
ROLE EVOLUTION
SKILLS DEVELOPED
DESIGN WORK
Google Meet Hardware redesign for return-to-office — unified experience across Nest Hub Max, Series One, and other conference room devices
First shopping integration on YouTube watch page — connecting content to commerce for millions of users
Google Shopping List with Assistant integration — making shopping conversational and ambient across devices
Save on Google — helping users discover and track products across Shopping surfaces
Google Express (now Google Shopping) — same-day delivery service design and branding
Google Express delivery van — creative direction for brand merchandising and physical touchpoints
Product merchandising and photography direction for Google Express marketing campaigns
Google Express logo system and brand guidelines — establishing visual identity across digital and physical experiences